Introduction:
Though the COVID-19 pandemic had an immensely unprecedented nature that shook the entire world, its major impact was felt in areas that did not have prior risk-management in place. The deadly pandemic brought to light the importance of precaution that was severely underrated.
People worldwide are now sensitive about their health, life, income, and other facets, which have taken a massive blow due to the pandemic. With most individuals inclined to get a risk cover, life insurance companies in NZ have encountered a significant spike in their sales and considerable investment in their industry niche.
Importance Of Getting Life Insurance In Nz During These Times Of Global Crisis:
Setupforlife and their partners Haven have received plenty of questions from Kiwis regarding the importance of policies and how they should seek life insurance. It is vital to peace of mind and ensuring the policy you have gives your family the cover they will need should the worst happen.
A Single Cover For The Health Hazards Faced By The Entire Family:
The demand for healthcare services has grown sharply over in 2020 worldwide. To strike a balance between the demand and supply for the, there has been a spike in healthcare costs. While the quarantines and the inevitable lockdowns forced numerous families to get stuck in their homes, a reduced income has forced them to consider other plan options.
Such affordable plans introduced by insurance companies worldwide would allow the sum insured to be shared by every family member. Once a member is hospitalized, exhausting a chunk of the insured amount, the balance is still available for the rest of the family. Individual life insurance companies are also providing enticing products that promise dual assured policies where each family member is entitled to a fixed amount. At the same time, there is a provision of a floating sum for the entire family.
Shortage Of Liquid Assets:
The International Labor Organization has declared around 400 million full-time job losses globally during the second quarter of 2020 (April-June). In the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19, while many countries prepare to enforce restrictions again, the ILO has predicted 12% of additional job losses. This severity of unemployment and cash crunch has compelled the budgeting of non-essential expenditures. Unforeseen events of hospitalization are creating staggering bills and giving rise to massive treatment expenditures.
Income protection insurance provides the working class with confidence with job security. NZ has fared relatively well from the Pandemic, and life & health insurance are inevitably more sought-after, but income protection plans are also encountering a record high.
Coverage Against Property And Land-Safety Risks:
Securing homes and properties with a risk cover is common for threats like natural calamities, pest infestation, etc. Home insurance also provides financial assistance against theft and even loss of items when away from home. COVID-19 has raised concerns here as well, with every industry suffering a hit due to the pandemic. Building materials have become expensive, along with repair and maintenance costs. Checking the limits of cover for certain events is important as more people will get caught out with inadequate cover.
Availing Long-Term Financial Security:
Lockdowns and restrictions on travel have created quite a stir amongst people who have been mostly living out of their savings. The widespread job loss, along with a hike in most of the essential services, has compelled people to look for a reserve fund for unforeseen circumstances.
As a result of this mentality, financial advisors are in the spotlight. KiwiSaver is often the easiest to review as there is loads of information and financial advisors work with providers everyday. As Kiwisaver can be accessed under financial hardship, making it a great backup option should life get tricky.
Impact Of Covid-19 On The Insurance Industry In New Zealand:
The impact of COVID-19 has caused the insurance industry leaders to rethink their situations. Since insurance has become a necessity in these times of crisis, good financial advisors are reshaping how they engage with customers to ensure they understand what they’re covered for, and what they’re not.
A Rise In Digital Marketing Campaigns And Online Publicity:
Some insurance providers are reaching out to potential customers through digital marketing campaigns and online platforms to get people to transact with them directly. Financial advisors are the voice of reason so customers can decipher the jargon and separate fact from fiction.
Streamlining The Entire Insurance Chain:
The global insurance chain that provides life insurance is amping up to accommodate promptness and increased responsibility in settling claims related to COVID-19. The entire system is being refurbished from hospitals, medical facilities, caregivers, TPAs, and call-centers to make it more streamlined and efficient.
Final Thoughts:
Various forms of KiwiSaver schemes, life and term insurances could be an essential investment under the global crisis due to a pandemic. Financial advisors are becoming increasingly important to help ensure (insure) kiwis have the best financial levers appropriate to them.
